Wildlife conservation in Tanzania during the colonial and independence eras: A review of changing paradigms, legacies and lessons learned

Throughout most of Africa a major shift in paradigms has occurred regarding wildlife conservation. The current global practice of setting aside large tracts of land is now confronted with the human consequences of strict protectionist policies designed solely to conserve wildlife.; Originally established to safeguard natural resources, protected areas are now forced to address a range of social objectives, namely, rural poverty, gender inequality, plight of indigenous people, market failures, economic and social injustices. From this perspective, the protectionist model has been judged a failure and is no longer appropriate within the current contextual setting of East Africa.; Within the last few decades and in light of mounting biodiversity and socio-political challenges, a "new" approach to conservation has emerged. But unlike its predecessor, the community-based conservation model calls for community participation, local decision-making, and equitable means of sharing economic, social, cultural, or ecological benefits from protected areas. Despite its overwhelming appeal, the community-based conservation model must not be hailed as a panacea by which to solve a variety of complex ecological and social challenges facing many developing countries.; Three case studies in Tanzania, Mkomazi Game Reserve, Udzungwa and Mikumi National Parks are reviewed and analyzed to compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of both the protectionist and community-based conservation models. A household questionnaire was used to assess local conservation attitudes in four villages adjacent to Mikumi and Udzungwa National Parks. The results show that local people were aware of the purpose of the parks and their benefits to their respective communities and to Tanzania. Although over 90% of the respondents had never visited (93%) nor worked (95%) for either park, they nevertheless opposed its abolishment (62%) and also rejected giving the land to those who claimed to need it (81%). They also were averse to allowing hunting (95%) and other natural resource extractions (77%).; Although the protectionist model has made significant contributions in safeguarding Tanzania's wealth of biodiversity, current evidence suggests that a combination of conservation approaches should be reviewed thoroughly for applicability and long-term sustainability within the current context of local communities and protected areas.